Oregon State football coach Mike Riley used the second half of last weekend's Southern California game as the perfect example of the balanced offense he strives for.

The Beavers moved the ball up and down the field on the No. 4 Trojans. They ran the ball with Jacquizz Rodgers and passed with ease as Sean Canfield hit various receivers.

However, it was the emergence of sophomore tight end Joe Halahuni with nine receptions that allowed Riley to declare the offense had arrived.

"We've stressed balance, not just run-pass balance but in terms of production," Riley said. "We have a variety of people making plays. I like to see that. The more we can do that game-to-game, the more dangerous we'll be."

Passing to the tight ends on a regular basis has been missing for the Beavers since Joe Newton graduated after the 2006 season. It has been tight end by committee.

There was hope Halahuni could fill the hole left by Newton, but his development was slowed by a knee injury in 2007.

He recovered during his redshirt season and the early part of last season before working in on special teams. Halahuni eased into the passing game this season.

"I do think he is a guy who can make plays," Riley said. "He can catch the ball well and he can run after the catch. That's really good for our offense. If we continue to make that come alive that would be a good thing."

Tight ends are rarely the primary receiver. Most of the time they are second or third in the pecking order for the quarterback to chose from.

Halahuni had nine receptions the first six games of the season, then doubled that against USC.

"You always have to be ready for the ball," Halahuni said. "You have to run your route hard, even if not the primary receiver. You have to be ready for the check down."

One aspect of the lack of passing to the tight end in recent years was the quarterbacks weren't comfortable enough to look for them.

Since Canfield is a seasoned senior playing at his best, he's finding Halahuni and has faith in him.

"He has been great," Canfield said. "He's a guy who is very talented. You need a guy at tight end that is effective and can manipulate linebackers, that's a big difference for the offense. He's quick and a load to take down."

Last weekend's game was an exception with Halahuni as a primary receiver. A special play was added to throw to him over the middle since the Trojans were worried about outside receivers James Rodgers and Damola Adeniji.

Most of the passes were short or mid-range and then he ran after the catch, showing athletic ability for a 6-foot-2, 249-pounder. He finished with a game-high 127 yards.

"I was pretty excited," Halahuni said. "I haven't had many catches, ever. I didn't know how many catches I had. I was having fun, but I wish we could have won last week."

Halahuni gave credit for his big game to the receivers and their ability to make plays. He knew USC wouldn't bother with him.

Chances are future opponents will pay attention to him. Halahuni doesn't mind. That will leave someone else open, and he'll go block in the running game until called upon again.